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Deep Dive: Teenage (2013)

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Teenage
Teenage is a documentary directed by Matt Wolf, based on Jon Savage's book, that examines the evolution of youth culture from 1904 to 1945. The film focuses on how the concept of the 'teenager' emerged after World War II, particularly through the lens of various youth movements in Europe and America. It shows significant events and figures, such as the publication of the 'Teen Age Bill of Rights' in 1945 by The New York Times, which recognized the rights of youth to shape their futures. The documentary features archival footage and first-person accounts from diaries and biographies, narrated by a cast including Jena Malone and Alden Ehrenreich. Wolf's approach is non-linear, weaving together the thoughts and experiences of young people from different backgrounds, including the German Wandervogel and the Swing Kids of Hamburg, as well as American flappers and Boy Scouts. This narrative structure aims to present a subjective history of youth culture during a transformative period in history.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Sophie Scholl and the White Rose resistance group
  • •See the evolution of youth culture from 1904 to 1945
  • •Find out about the Wandervogel and Swing Kids movements

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 20, 2013.
•The 'Teen Age Bill of Rights' was published in 1945 by The New York Times.
•Wolf's documentary includes accounts from the anti-Nazi group White Rose.

Perfect For

Youth culture historyWorld War II studiesArchival footage enthusiasts